AGE-WELL Annual Report 2019-2020 English

Canada’s Technology and Aging Network

ANNUAL REPORT

2019-2020 A CANADIAN NETWORK OF CENTRES OF EXCELLENCE

COVID-19, technology and the way forward

Aging Gracefully across Environments using Technology to Support Wellness, Engagement and Long Life

Corporate Profile

Our Vision

AGE-WELL NCE Inc. (“AGE-WELL”) is a federallyfunded Network of Centres of Excellence established in 2015 to support Canadian research and innovation in the area of technology and aging. AGE-WELL is dedicated to the development and delivery of technologies, services and policies/practices that benefit older adults and caregivers. Our aim is to help older Canadians maintain their independence, health and quality of life through technology-based solutions that increase their safety and security, support their independent living, and enhance their social participation.

Canada’s leadership in technology and aging benefits the world.

As Canada’s technology and aging network, AGE-WELL brings together more than 250 funded and affiliated researchers from 45 universities and research centres across Canada. More than 400 industry, government and non-profit partners work closely with us on solutions for healthy aging.

AGE-WELL also trains the next generation of leaders in the field of technology and aging, with more than 760 trainees now in our ranks. Our research projects align with AGE-WELL’s eight Challenge Areas, which are designed to move the dial when it comes to supporting older adults and caregivers in Canada—and achieving social and economic impact.

COLLABORATIVE IMPACT

Our Mission To develop a community of researchers, older adults, caregivers, partner organizations and future leaders that accelerates the delivery of technology-based solutions that make a meaningful difference in the lives of Canadians.

Our Values EXCELLENCE Based on a strong and leading scientific research foundation Using a transdisciplinary approach, we share knowledge, ideas and resources across disciplines and stakeholder groups to generate better outcomes

CAPACITY-BUILDING We train the best and brightest academic and industry talent

LEADERSHIP We are recognized globally in the area of technology and aging

INNOVATION We are engaged in a continuous process to create new ideas and solutions

INTEGRITY We uphold the highest ethical and intellectual standards in our research and business activities

EQUITY We are committed to equity, diversity and inclusion in all aspects of our network.

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AGE-WELL ANNUAL REPORT 2019-2020

ANNUAL REPORT

2019-2020

Table of Contents EXECUTIVE MESSAGES

4

AGE-WELL BY THE NUMBERS

6

INNOVATION & IMPACT

8

RESEARCH EXCELLENCE

12

KNOWLEDGE MOBILIZATION & COMMERCIALIZATION

22

TRAINING THE NEXT GENERATION

28

NETWORKING & PARTNERSHIPS

32

MOVING FORWARD

37

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

38

NETWORK COMMUNITY

40

Acknowledgements AGE-WELL gratefully acknowledges the support of its funder:

An initiative of Canada’s research granting agencies www.nce-rce.gc.ca

And the support of its host institution:

Contents may only be reproduced with written permission from AGE-WELL.

AGE-WELL ANNUAL REPORT 2019-2020

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EXECUTIVE MESSAGES

COVID-19, technology and the way forward

A message from the Scientific Directors AGE-WELL exists to bring technology-based solutions to older adults and their caregivers. This mission is more important than ever in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

COVID-19 has illuminated the need for technologies to support older adults, who have been disproportionately affected by the crisis, as well as those who care for them.

How can technology make a difference?

Technology can connect people and reduce social isolation. It can help older adults live at home for as long as possible—something most of us want.

Technology is increasingly being used to deliver our health and community services. It can play a major role in transforming care and support across all settings, including long-term care where there has been such tragic loss of life and suffering.

We know that older adults are receptive to technology.

A poll conducted in July 2020 by Environics Research for AGE-WELL shows that COVID-19 has significantly increased the use of many technologies among older Canadians. Nearly two-thirds (64 per cent) of respondents aged 65 and older agree that technological advancements can help to lessen the impact of COVID-19 on daily life.

AGE-WELL is leading the way in delivering technologies to meet the needs and desires of seniors and caregivers.

Communications platforms, smart-home sensors, wearables and remote therapies—these are just some of our innovations that enhance the independence, health and quality of life of older adults, and support caregivers.

These innovations have the added benefit of easing pressures on hospitals and long-term care.

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AGE-WELL ANNUAL REPORT 2019-2020

NETWORK GROWTH AGE-WELL has mobilized a vast community. Our network now includes more than 250 researchers from 45 Canadian universities and research institutes, over 760 trainees and more than 400 industry, community, government and academic partners. Importantly, over 4,900 older adults and caregivers are involved to ensure that products are practical and useful.

We can report an impressive 118 technologies, services, policies and practices under development or already making a difference in people’s lives. AGE-WELL is also proud to support 47 startups with a combined total of 37 products on the market. These companies are also creating jobs and generating social and economic benefits.

Dr. Alex Mihailidis Scientific Director, AGE-WELL

Dr. Andrew Sixsmith Scientific Director, AGE-WELL

RENEWED FUNDING In April 2020, we launched phase two of AGE-WELL, following news that AGE-WELL has been renewed through the federal Networks of Centres of Excellence (NCE) program for another three years. With almost $22-million in funding over that period, we will solidify Canada’s leadership in the AgeTech sector, get more products into the hands of people who need them, and prepare future leaders through our unique training program.

Last spring, AGE-WELL announced 22 new research projects that build on successes in the first phase (2015-2020). These projects align with AGE-WELL’s eight challenge areas, which are designed to move the dial when it comes to supporting older Canadians and caregivers—and achieving social and economic impact.

The challenge areas result from an extensive review of federal and provincial policy priorities, and consultations with over 1,000 stakeholders across Canada.

AGE-WELL has fostered a truly engaged community and we look forward to working with everyone to provide creative solutions that make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. z

A message from the Chair of the Board

A message from the Managing Director

Whatever the world looks like post-COVID-19, technology will play a substantial and different role.

It will become increasingly important in enabling Canadians to age in place, live healthily and stay engaged.

No Canadian organization is better positioned than AGE-WELL to lead the response of Canada’s AgeTech sector during and after the pandemic.

AGE-WELL will ensure that technology-based solutions are inclusive, effective and adopted.

These innovations will be central to necessary changes in community care, home care, hospital

The past year has been a time of intense activity and innovation, despite the many challenges posed by the pandemic. In the pages of this report, you will read about the progress we are making, and meet people who are benefiting from our work.

In the months leading up to the pandemic, we held a number of high-profile events to propel forward the technology and aging sector.

AGE-WELL’s 5th Annual Conference, held in Moncton, New Brunswick in October 2019, was an important opportunity for knowledge exchange.

AGE-WELL 2019 attracted more than 300 researchers, trainees, older adults, caregivers and partners from industry, government and the community.

When COVID-19 arrived, our teams pushed forward as best they could. So many AGE-WELL projects have relevance during COVID-19, like a new communications platform that is helping residents in long-term care to stay in touch with loved ones.

In the midst of the pandemic, we launched an ambitious Core Research Program and unveiled a COVID-specific research funding initiative with our partner Mitacs.

We also established a new Bridgette Murphy Managing Director, AGE-WELL National Innovation Hub AGE-WELL in Prince George, British Columbia, focused on aging in the North.

AGE-WELL now has four innovation hubs across Canada (see page 20).

Last summer, we took the AGE-WELL National Impact Challenge into the virtual realm. Held in three regions across Canada, four winning startups took home a total of $60,000 in cash plus in-kind prizes.

As part of network renewal planning, AGE-WELL undertook a voluntary audit of network composition, policies and programs as an essential first step in developing a network EDI strategy. With leadership from our Board of Directors, and Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Working Group, we have translated our learning and decisions into an EDI Action Plan.

We are indebted to the many stakeholders who took part in AGE-WELL’s renewal application process. We also thank our funder, the Networks of Centres of Excellence, and our host institution, the University Health Network. Our grateful thanks also go to the AGE-WELL Board of Directors, committee members, researchers, trainees, staff members, partners, older adults and caregivers, who work so hard on much-needed technology-based solutions. z

Mimi Lowi-Young Chair, AGE-WELL Board of Directors

care and long-term care for older adults.

AGE-WELL is home to research experts and thought leaders in the burgeoning field of technology and aging. Our network has become a go-to authority, consulted by government, industry and the media, among others.

In August 2019, I had the honour of presenting to an NCE Expert Panel in Ottawa. It was an amazing experience to showcase AGE-WELL’s achievements from the first five years—and to share our vision for the future of AgeTech. Now, with renewed support from the NCE program, we will fulfill our promise to make Canada a world leader in the development of technologies that make life better for older people and their caregivers. z

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AGE-WELL BY THE NUMBERS

AGE-WELL by the numbers AS OF DECEMBER 2020

2,023

250+ Researchers

118

Total Number of Publications

110+

AGE-WELL Solutions across the Product Readiness Level (PRL) Scale

International Collaborations across 28 countries

400+

234

53

Outcomes (technologies, services and policies/practices)

Partners • Industry • Non-profits • Government • Academia

31

Experimental Implementation

Innovators of Tomorrow Certificates awarded

47

AGE-WELL-Supported Startups 6

43 Policy Submissions

AGE-WELL ANNUAL REPORT 2019-2020

17

Prototype

11

Incubator

6

Innovation Research

4

45 National Innovation Hubs

162

Member Universities and Research Centres across 8 Canadian provinces

Research Projects

4,900+ Engaged Older Adults and Caregivers

HQP

149 Master’s Candidates

Highly Qualified Personnel includes active and alumni HQP

372

766

157 Doctoral Candidates

Professionals includes research associates, technicians and summer students

88 Postdoctoral Fellows

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INNOVATION & IMPACT

Innovation & Impact A brief look at some AGE-WELL-supported products designed to enhance quality of life for older adults and caregivers:

Contact tracing tool for seniors’ facilities Software startup Welbi has created a new contacttracing feature to help senior living communities reduce the spread of COVID-19 and other infectious diseases.

It quickly generates a list of who could have been potentially exposed to the virus during daily activities, when and where. The company added the contact-tracing capability to its wellness platform, which personalizes recreation programs for older adults in seniors’ facilities.

Welbi’s platform is projected to be in over 500 facilities across Canada by the end of 2021. AGE-WELL investigator Dr. Jeffrey Jutai, a University of Ottawa professor, worked with Welbi CEO Elizabeth AudetteBourdeau and her team to bring the platform to market. z

Connecting the unconnected Some of the most heartbreaking stories during the pandemic have come from residents of long-term care and their family members cut off from each other due to restrictions. Technology is an imperfect substitute for hugs, kisses and hand holding, but the damage of distancing can be alleviated with innovations like FamliNet, a multi-media messaging platform. FamliNet offers older adults with little or no computer skills or with sensory loss an easy way to connect with family and friends. In August 2020, Famli.net Communications Inc. launched its EasyConnect system, which guides families through a step-by-step process to set up a FamliNet private network with their loved one. FamliNet supports a growing number of languages. It is used in Canadian retirement and long-term care homes, and a public version is available. FamliNet was developed at the TAGlab at the University of Toronto, with support from AGE-WELL. z

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Telerobotic stroke rehab Supervised in-home rehab therapy—that’s the goal of a “telerobotic” rehabilitation system created by an AGE-WELL research team. The platform uses virtual reality, haptics, robotic technology and internet communication to improve sensory and motor function in older stroke survivors. Dr. Rajni Patel (Western University) is collaborating with Dr. Robot, a Toronto company, to move the system into clinical testing and commercialization. Dr. Mandar Jog (London Health Sciences Centre) and Dr. Patel are exploring potential applications of the technology for other age-related movement disorders. z

Introducing Steadi-Two

Setting standards to help cushion falls

Steadi-Two, a compact battery-free stabilizing glove that “intelligently” reduces hand tremors for people living with Essential Tremor and Parkinson’s disease, launches its pre-order campaign to the Canada-US market in January 2021. Customers of Steadi-One, the original glove introduced in 2019 by AGE-WELL-supported Steadiwear Inc., described the product as life changing.

Their feedback has been incorporated into the design of Steadi-Two, resulting in a glove that is smaller, lighter and more comfortable. The glove uses a novel and cuttingedge magnet-based system to stabilize the wrist and forearm and minimize tremors—allowing the wearer to do tasks they usually find challenging, such as writing, using a computer keyboard or drinking from a cup without spilling. Both versions of the glove are Health Canada and FDA (US Food and Drug Administration) registered class 1 medical devices. z

Research by AGE-WELL’s PRED-FALL team shows that wearable hip protectors halve the risk of hip fractures when older adults fall. But it’s important to wear the right hip protectors. So the team worked with the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) to lead the development of a new standard for measuring the protective value of hip protectors. The standard, published in January 2020, will guide market regulation and customer awareness by ensuring that hip protectors are appropriately tested and labelled for their ability to reduce impact force and fracture risk in a fall. The researchers are also working to increase uptake of hip protectors in long-term care facilities across Canada. The team is led by Dr. Steve Robinovitch (Simon Fraser University) and Dr. Fabio Feldman (Fraser Health). z

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INNOVATION & IMPACT

Innovation & Impact A brief look at some AGE-WELL-supported products designed to enhance quality of life for older adults and caregivers:

Games that bring health benefits Digital games can help to maintain and improve health and quality of life for older adults who face physical, mental and social changes of aging. Those were among the findings of a 2020 white paper by AGE-WELL researchers Drs. David Kaufman and Louise Sauvé and project coordinator Dr. Alice Ireland. Working with older adults, the team has developed a series of digital, online and virtual reality games to improve social interactions, reduce loneliness and social isolation, and encourage intergenerational gameplay and continued learning.

Many of the games are now available on the App Store and Google Play, as well as the Serious Games Hub quiz design platform at www.jeuxserieux.ca. z

Automatic brakes for rollator walkers Millions of people rely on rollator walkers to get around.

A key feature of these walkers is the ability to lock the brakes in place for stability when standing, or sitting on the device. Rollator walkers have a manual braking system so users must remember to engage the brake to prevent the device from rolling away and potentially causing a fall. Now, an AGE-WELL-supported team has developed an automated braking system. University of Waterloo engineer Dr. James Tung and startup Qoltom Inc will be getting feedback from users before taking their product to market. The Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging is a project partner. z

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Rehab app for total knee replacement About 80 per cent of older adults who undergo total knee replacement surgery don’t follow through on their rehab. The result: higher rates of revision surgeries and surgical complications, a lower quality of life, higher pain medication use, and additional cost to the individual and the health-care system. With support from AGE-WELL, Curovate launched an app in early 2020 designed to break down the barriers to rehabilitation following total knee replacement. The evidence-based app provides easy-tofollow video-guided exercises, progress tracking, measuring capabilities and reminders—all on a smartphone. There’s no need to travel for appointments, and older adults can do their rehab right at home. Curovate also includes rehabilitation apps for people who have had a total hip replacement or surgery to repair a torn knee ligament (anterior cruciate ligament or ACL). z

Mobile swallowing therapy It’s estimated that 20 per cent of people over the age of 55 experience swallowing difficulties. Therapy requires ongoing visits to a clinician. What if it could be completed remotely, especially during COVID times? A Canadian startup that won the 2019 AGE-WELL National Impact Challenge in Vancouver has gone on to commercialize the Mobili-T, a mobile swallowing exercise-therapy system. True Angle Medical Technologies launched the product in summer 2020. Mobili-T is a wireless piece of hardware that is placed under the chin, and an app that provides real-time feedback on a mobile device. The patient is remotely followed by a clinician, explains Dr. Gabi Constantinescu, True Angle’s chief product officer and a clinician-researcher. Her team includes CEO Dr. Jana Rieger and CTO Dylan Scott, who helped launch the Edmonton-based company and develop the system with the involvement of patients and clinicians. z

Dealing with pain in people with dementia Imagine being unable to tell someone that you are in pain.

This distressing situation is common for people who have difficulty speaking due to severe dementia. It makes pain assessment challenging for caregivers; pain is under-assessed and under-treated in long-term care. AGE-WELL researchers are working to change this. They have developed an app aimed at facilitating pain assessment, and an online training program on pain assessment for rural and remote facilities.

These tools have led to improvements in the frequency of pain assessments. The PAIN-CARE team is also working towards the development of computer-vision algorithms designed to identify pain behaviours. Leading the work on the automated visionsystem are Dr. Thomas Hadjistavropoulos (University of Regina) and Dr. Babak Taati (The Kite Research Institute, University Health Network). Dr. Eleni Stroulia (University of Alberta) oversaw the app development. z

#SeePainMoreClearly

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RESEARCH EXCELLENCE

Research Excellence AGE-WELL network is one of the best things “ The that has ever happened to the Canadian research scene.

The effectiveness of this network may be unprecedented.

Dr. Thomas Hadjistavropoulos, Research Chair in Aging and Health, University of Regina

AGE-WELL research focuses on solutions that have real-world impact—and produce social and economic benefits for Canadians. You can see it in everything we do. We are getting an incredible return on investment from projects undertaken in our first five years. An impressive 118 products (technologies, services, policies and practices) are in development or already on the market.

And we’re looking forward. In April 2020, AGE-WELL announced 22 new research projects, which represent an investment of more than $10-million over three years.

In total, the projects are led by 48 researchers based at 20 universities and research centres across Canada, and involve over 100 partners from industry, government and non-profit organizations. We believe firmly in this approach which breaks down silos between disciplines and sectors.

”

Dr. Carrie Bourassa’s community-driven project called Indigenous Technology Needs Exploration – Saskatchewan (ITNE) has contributed to innovation in the Indigenous health and dementia fields of study.

Dr. Bourassa is a professor at the University of Saskatchewan.

Consider the range and relevance of these projects, which include: • The design of apps to empower older adults to engage in the digital world, reduce social isolation and facilitate meaningful connections to family members • The development, implementation and evaluation of a culturally safe, Indigenous-led diabetes and weight management telehealth service focused on Indigenous older adults • The creation of a unique platform to accelerate the validation, commercialization and adoption of home care technologies such as smart-home systems and home health devices.

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AGE-WELL ANNUAL REPORT 2019-2020

VitalTracer smart watch

As always, older adults and caregivers are deeply involved in these projects to ensure products are practical and will be used. These stakeholders take part at every level of our network. They participate in studies, advise on research relevancy, and serve on the Older Adult and Caregiver Advisory Committee and the Research Management Committee.

Collectively, the new projects, part of our Core Research Program and Platform Project Program, will drive innovation across AGE-WELL’s eight challenge areas where technology can make a significant difference (see page 19). These challenge areas are more than research themes; they will guide our overall strategic direction going forward.

AGE-WELL also continues to support post-discovery research through a Strategic Investment Program (SIP) Accelerator program. In 2019-2020, we funded eight SIP projects, advancing an array of needed products, such as medication reminders and special mats that monitor health during sleep. Further, we funded six “SIPs” that advance the work of core projects from the first phase of AGE-WELL. And four innovations hubs, spread across Canada, focus on regional innovation for national benefit (see page 20).

COVID-19 response Our teams have developed COVID-19-relevant add-ons and plans to ensure their technologies can support older Canadians and caregivers, now and after the pandemic.

The relevance of our projects is indisputable, with researchers working on systems that connect people, offer virtual care options, and make it possible for people to live more safely and longer in their own homes.

Technologies such as effortless lifts and health-monitoring systems can make a difference for residents and staff in long-term care. And the list goes on.

AGE-WELL also launched new funding partnerships specifically targeted at COVID-19-relevant research. In September 2020, with our partner Mitacs, we co-funded awards to support industry-academic partnered R&D that will deliver technologies and services to benefit seniors and caregivers in light of COVID-19. The funded projects include service robots and a smart watch to monitor vital signs. z

Dr. Frank Knoefel of Bruyère Research Institute (seated) and Carleton University student Haoyang Liu with a pressure-sensitive mat designed to monitor health during sleep.

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RESEARCH EXCELLENCE

Key innovations The pandemic has proven the value of innovations that help older adults live independently for as long as possible.

It’s what most of us want and it has the added benefit of easing the burden on institutional care. These are just some of the AGE-WELL-supported products that can enable older people to continue to live healthily and safely in their own homes:

Shanil Gunasekara, chief executive of eTreatMD, with an arthritis-management app developed by his company with AGE-WELL support.

• Medication and daily life management app and service for people living with dementia • Smart-home technology for aging in place (sensors, lighting, voice-activated reminders and prompts) • Apps and remote therapies to help people manage their health at home, while staying connected to health professionals • Non-intrusive health monitoring technology (no video or sound recording) • Virtual exercise programs designed for older adults • Digital games that connect, stimulate and encourage learning • Socially assistive robots that prompt older adults with cognitive impairment to do daily tasks such as getting dressed, preparing meals and exercising.

Virtual Gym

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AGE-WELL ANNUAL REPORT 2019-2020

IMPACT PROFILE

Smart glove ‘worth its weight in gold’ At age 75 and retired for 15 years, Betty Faulkner still regrets the career roadblocks she experienced due to her hand tremors.

“My tremor really affected me on a professional level,” says the former federal government auditor from St. Albert, Alberta. “I was going out to audit businesses and of course my tremors were bad. It was embarrassing...it was difficult.

People just thought I was nervous, but I wasn’t.”

For Faulkner, the solution was to finish her career working in the office doing problem resolution for auditors who worked directly with clients in the community. While her role was rewarding, she still feels she could have accomplished more.

Faulkner has a family history of Essential Tremor. Both hands are affected by tremors but the right hand is worse and Faulkner is right-handed. She struggles to operate a computer keyboard and mouse, drink from a cup without spilling, and with many other daily tasks.

I can do it... I’m getting “ Wow, some of my life back ” She tried medications to control her tremor, which developed slowly starting at age 25. The results have not been dramatic. She also considered surgical interventions including deep brain stimulation, but feared possible side effects such as memory loss.

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic that keeps the world traveller and her husband, Howard, home for now, Faulkner has a new lease on life thanks to Steadi-One, a compact battery-free stabilizing glove developed by AGE-WELLsupported Steadiwear Inc. “I’ve had tremors for the last 50 years and finally we have some serious non-chemical help,” says Faulkner.

“It’s worth its weight in gold.”

The glove “intelligently” stabilizes the wrist joint and forearm in people living with Essential Tremor and

Betty Faulkner says the Steadi-One smart glove “has given me freedom and independence to do things I want to do.”

Parkinson’s disease. It uses vibration damping and nanotechnology to provide resistance to hand tremors.

Since receiving the Steadi-One glove about a year ago, Faulkner has been busy doing many tasks and activities without having to ask for assistance. Howard Faulkner even made a video of his wife putting on make-up for the first time in decades. “Wow, I can do it...I’m getting some of my life back,” she says excitedly in the video.

“With COVID, I’m home—I’ve got asthma so I don’t go out. The glove has given me freedom and independence to do things I want to do, like a 1,000-piece jigsaw puzzle, with so little frustration,” adds Faulkner. “I have a feeling of control and I don’t have to ask for help.”

She is in regular communication with Steadiwear cofounders Mark Elias and Emile Maamary, to provide user feedback and as an early adopter of Steadi-Two, the second version of the glove which launches in January 2021. “I am so impressed with them.”

Steadiwear received the coveted Grandmothers’ Choice Award at the 10th Annual Startupfest in 2020. The company was also recently named one of the top 10 Canadian health-care startups by Polidea, a software and information technology company.

AGE-WELL funding over several years has helped to bring the stabilization glove to market, with the goal of enhancing life for people who have Essential Tremor and Parkinson’s disease, the most common movement disorders in the world. z AGE-WELL ANNUAL REPORT 2019-2020

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RESEARCH EXCELLENCE

Technologies to help ease the crisis in long-term care

• A compact device that allows a single caregiver to transfer a person to and from a bed, without contact and without risking injury to either, in a dignified manner (Able Innovations)

The COVID-19 pandemic has laid bare the need for technology-based solutions to support older adults and staff in long-term care. No technology can supplant the human touch in caring for older people. But if it can ease the burden for overworked staff, then it makes them better able to focus on their most important person-to-person duties. Technology can also improve safety for all. Some examples of AGE-WELL-supported products that can help:

• An easy-to-use communication platform for older adults who have limited or no computer experience (FamliNet)

• A platform that personalizes recreation programs for older adults, and has built-in contact tracing capabilities (Welbi)

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AGE-WELL ANNUAL REPORT 2019-2020

• A wearable device that can be used for contact tracing; if a resident, staff member or visitor tests positive, it provides a readout of every person who had been in recent contact—invaluable information in controlling an outbreak (Tenera Care)

• A tablet-based assessment tool that analyzes a person’s natural speech to detect and monitor Alzheimer’s disease and other cognitive disorders.

The tool records short samples of a person’s speech as they describe a picture on the screen (Winterlight Labs)

• An app to help staff record and monitor pain behaviours in residents with dementia who have limited ability to communicate their pain (PAIN-CARE)

• Technologies designed to engage residents with cognitive impairment in physical and cognitive exercise, and to assess physical and cognitive status (Centivizer)

Demos Night 2019

AGE-WELL researchers are also working on a longer-term initiative to identify and harness the potential of technology in long-term care settings across Canada. z

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COVID-19 IMPACT

AGE-WELL Poll:

COVID-19 has significantly increased the use of many technologies among older adults Older Canadians have upped their use of many technologies and online services during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to an AGE-WELL poll conducted by Environics Research in July 2020.

“At a time when older adults face enormous challenges, it is encouraging to see that many are reaching for technologies, online services and apps to help,” said Dr. Alex Mihailidis, AGE-WELL Scientific Director and CEO. “They are receptive to technology that allows them to stay in their own homes, and open to virtual health and virtual community with family and friends.”

Among the findings:

• Two-thirds (65 per cent) of Canadians aged 65 and older now own a smartphone, compared to 58 per cent in 2019, and most who own one (83 per cent) use it daily.

• Thirty per cent of those 65+ are streaming (Netflix, Prime, YouTube, etc.); over 4 in 10 (45 per cent) of them report increased online streaming due to COVID-19.

• With many seniors staying at home more during COVID-19, two in 10 (19 per cent) of Canadians 65+ are using online shopping for essential items, like groceries, for “health, wellness and/or independence” (of whom 6 in 10 report utilizing it more due to COVID-19).

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AGE-WELL ANNUAL REPORT 2019-2020

• During the pandemic, seniors have increased their use of video calls as a way to communicate with family and friends. About a quarter (23 per cent) of Canadians 65+ now use video-calling on their smartphones, twice as many as in 2019; 6 in 10 of whom report increased use due to COVID-19.

• Over a quarter (29 per cent) of Canadians 65+ use social media for “health, wellness and/or independence” (of whom 42 per cent report utilizing it more due to COVID-19).

• Thirteen per cent of Canadians 65+ now use exercise or activity apps or trackers; one in five (19 per cent) of those have increased their use due to COVID-19.

• Over one-third (37 per cent) say they use social media to communicate with family and friends (4 in 10 of whom report utilizing it more as a mode of communication due to COVID-19).

• Fifty-seven per cent of Canadians aged 65+ had a telehealth appointment in the past three months, and eighty-two per cent of those who had one were satisfied with it.

Experience with video appointments is still limited (4 per cent).

The findings dispel any notion that older adults are technophobic, said Dr. Andrew Sixsmith, AGE-WELL Scientific Co-Director. “Most are unfazed by technology and they are using a lot of it during these challenging times. We were already seeing older adults using more technology, but COVID-19 is clearly a catalyst that is taking tech use to a new level.”

The survey also looked at the impact of COVID-19 on age-related concerns. The findings show that COVID-19 has affected attitudes toward aging. Fifty-one per cent of Canadians 65+ are now optimistic about aging, compared to 58 per cent in 2019.

About 1 in 2 (or more) of respondents aged 65+ are more concerned about health and losing loved ones, moving to a nursing home, and moving to a retirement home. And 65 per cent have felt isolated at least some of the time during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Impact of technology during COVID-19 On the positive side, 6 in 10 Canadians aged 65+ agree that technological advancements can help to lessen the impact of COVID-19 on daily life, maintain relationships with family and friends, reduce social isolation, pursue hobbies, stay independent, manage health as they age, maintain mental health, and stay active and in their own homes as they age.

The poll found that half of Canadians aged 65+ are willing to pay out-of-pocket for technology that helps manage health and wellness. Almost 7 in 10 (66 per cent) are willing to pay out-of-pocket for technology that allows them to stay at home as they age.

Seventy-two per cent of Canadians 65+ feel (at least somewhat) confident using current technology. However, 16 per cent say there is a lack of training on how to use technology and 9 per cent experience poor connectivity.

“Despite the increasing use of technology by seniors, we need to remember that some people are still losing out and there is a digital divide between the technology haves and have-nots. We need to make sure that technologies are accessible, affordable and available to all,” said Dr. Mihailidis. z

The Future of technology and aging in Canada: AGE-WELL Challenge Areas AGE-WELL’s eight challenges are designed to move the dial when it comes to supporting older adults and caregivers in Canada—and achieving social and economic impact. The challenge areas were identified through public consultations with over 1,000 stakeholders and a comprehensive review of policy priorities across governments in Canada and internationally, relating to seniors.

1. Supportive Homes & Communities 2. Health Care & Health Service Delivery 3.

The poll surveyed 2,026 Canadians aged 50 and older.

It was a follow-up to a similar survey done in 2019. For more details, see https://agewell-nce.ca/archives/10884

Autonomy & Independence

4. Cognitive Health & Dementia 5. Mobility & Transportation 6. Healthy Lifestyles & Wellness 7. Staying Connected 8. Financial Wellness & Employment

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RESEARCH EXCELLENCE

Advancing Policies and Practices in Technology and Aging (APPTA) Fredericton, N.B.

AGE-WELL National Innovation Hubs AGE-WELL hubs are places where industry, community, government, researchers, end-users and others can interact and generate new ideas together. The aim is to foster more efficient development, testing and delivery to market of products and services that will benefit older people and caregivers across Canada. We have four national innovation hubs:

APPTA supports governments in generating opportunities to address the policy and practice challenges of an aging population.

This hub is a partnership between AGE-WELL and the New Brunswick Health Research Foundation (NBHRF).

The Centre for Technology Adoption for Aging in the North (CTAAN) Prince George, B.C. CTAAN’s programs will streamline the process for the adoption of technology that enhances the lives of those aging in northern and rural communities in Canada. CTAAN’s founding partners are AGE-WELL, Northern Health and the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC).

Digital Health Circle (DHC) Surrey, B.C. The Digital Health Circle supports the creation of new digital technologies that have a real-life impact on current and future generations of older adults. The hub is jointly championed by AGE-WELL and Simon Fraser University (SFU).

Sensors and Analytics for Monitoring Mobility and Memory (SAM3) Ottawa, ON. SAM3 is driving the development of sensor-based smart technologies that monitor older people’s health and wellbeing to keep them healthy, safe and as independent as possible. The hub is a joint initiative of AGE-WELL, Bruyère Research Institute and Carleton University. z

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Researchers at the SAM3 “smart apartment” test heat-sensing technology that can show the complexity of meals.

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STAKEHOLDER PROFILE

Advocating in the caregiving space

Ron Beleno understands aging and caregiving issues in a personal way. He looked after his father, who had Alzheimer’s disease, for the last 10 years of his life.

Beleno knows firsthand how important it is to have support and resources available to navigate the caregiver’s journey. He has emerged as a leading advocate in the caregiving space.

For Beleno, sharing his experiences with a larger audience evolved organically. At first, other caregivers reached out to him for advice. As demand for his expertise grew, he became an advisor to not-for-profit groups and a sought-after speaker. He realized there was a need to have someone with his depth of understanding and skill set helping to guide others.

Beleno’s involvement with AGE-WELL began five years ago.

He was giving a presentation at a meeting of the Alzheimer Society of Canada. Dr. Alex Mihailidis, AGE-WELL’s scientific director, was there. So was AGE-WELL researcher Dr. Lili Liu. After Beleno’s presentation, the two invited him to become part of AGE-WELL. It was a natural fit. Beleno is a big believer in technology as a way to support older adults to live independently for as long as possible, and to assist their caregivers. While caring for his father, he used a variety of technologies, like a video monitoring system used for communication, to help his father continue to live safely at home.

Beleno was soon immersed in a number of AGE-WELL research projects, bringing great ideas, business savvy and an invaluable caregiver perspective. He collaborated with one team on a new website which helps consumers choose GPS technologies that can locate loved ones with dementia who wander. He is working on a localized alert system called Community ASAP that could help police find missing seniors.

Beleno also helped lead the formation of the AGE-WELL Older Adult and Caregiver Advisory Committee (OACAC) to advise the network as a whole. The OACAC brings the expertise and counsel of older adults and caregivers directly into network decision-making. “OACAC was created to be that connection piece that would allow older adults and caregivers to contribute and work with researchers at an equal level,” says Beleno, who is committee co-chair.

Ron Beleno, co-chair of AGE-WELL’s Older Adult and Caregiver Advisory Committee, attends AGE-WELL Day on the Hill in Ottawa in 2018.

Beleno’s selection as a recipient of the 2020 AGE-WELL Honorary Fellow Award was recognition of his substantial contributions to research and innovation in the AgeTech sector, as well as to AGE-WELL. “This award is humbling for me,” says Beleno. “It acknowledges the voice that an older adult and caregiver can have in the community, and the impact we can have on others. It says that sharing

was created to be “ OACAC that connection piece that

would allow older adults and caregivers to contribute and work with researchers at an equal level...

”

my voice, my stories and my challenges are valued. This recognition is not mine alone. I share it with the voices of many others who channelled their stories through me.”

Looking forward, Beleno will be exploring new avenues to share his knowledge and continue to work with AGEWELL to change the narrative around aging and to provide caregivers with new hope and support.

“AGE-WELL makes a difference in many people’s lives— improving them by offering solutions, validation and policy changes,” says Beleno. “I know my dad would be proud of what we are accomplishing. I am grateful to community members, specifically older adults and caregivers, who have allowed me to be part of their lives, have a meal with them, break bread and to say, ‘We are all cheering for each other and we want you to succeed.’” z

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KNOWLEDGE MOBILIZATION & COMMERCIALIZATION

Knowledge Mobilization & Commercialization with AGE-WELL has been extremely “ Working beneficial for our startup. To be introduced to AGE-WELL’s network of researchers and private entities has helped us validate not just our product but also our business plan. We have identified numerous opportunities to leverage the expertise of network members. We now have partnerships with leading geriatric facilities and our technology is being utilized to co-develop sustainable care models for during and after COVID-19.

Jayiesh Singh, founder and CEO, Able Innovations

”

At AGE-WELL, great ideas are just the beginning. We care deeply about concrete outputs—and getting innovations to people who need them. That could be an end-user, a policy-maker or a health professional.

To that end, we carefully track every project’s progress using a “product readiness level” scale, ensuring that it advances along the innovation pipeline. AGE-WELL has over 100 products already deployed or in development.

Supporting successful startups We are proud to support a growing number of Canadian startups and entrepreneurs who are developing needed products, creating jobs and generating wealth.

Since launching the AGE-WELL Startup Affiliate program in July 2019, we have continued to develop programs, resources and market opportunities for a portfolio that now includes 47 startups. Combined, these companies have a total of 37 products on the market.

And they are making a difference in challenging times.

Take, for instance, Curovate, which in 2020 released an app for in-home rehab after knee replacement surgery.

On page 36, we profile a 72-year-old who benefited from this app amid a COVID-19 lockdown. Startup affiliate Tenera Care is rolling out a platform that can be used for contact tracing in senior living facilities. If someone tests positive, it shows who the individual has interacted with, at what distance, in what location, and for how long.

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Dr. Frank Naccarato, president of Quantum Robotic Systems, developed the ROSA, a robotic stairclimbing assistant, in collaboration with George Brown College’s School of Mechanical Engineering Technologies, assisted

by AGE-WELL’s Strategic Investment Program.

Able Innovations, a Toronto startup working on an automated patient-transfer technology, won the second competition in the three-part AGE-WELL National Impact Challenge. CEO Jayiesh Singh delivered the winning pitch for the DELTA Platform, which enables patient transfers with just one caregiver.

AGE-WELL is adept at identifying, guiding and supporting talented innovators, and connecting them to partners in our network. Our startups also benefit from the mentorship of AGE-WELL’s chief entrepreneur, Michael Tamblyn, president and CEO of Rakuten Kobo. Older adults and caregivers provide startups with valuable feedback during “insight sessions.”

We love competitions at AGE-WELL. They are another way to support entrepreneurship in Canada’s AgeTech sector. To date, over 100 startups across the country have competed in our events. In summer 2020, we awarded a total of $60,000 in cash (plus in-kind prizes) to four regional winners at the AGE-WELL National Impact Challenge, held virtually.

Congratulations to the winning startups: Able Innovations, eNable Analytics, Novalte and Tochtech Technologies. We thank all the finalists, judges and the sponsors of this event: Aging2.0 Local / Halifax Chapter, BC Seniors Living Association, Bereskin & Parr LLP, CARP, IBM Canada Ltd., Impact Centre, Innovacorp, Innovation PEI, New Brunswick Innovation Foundation, Ontario Brain Institute, Spectrum Health Care and YouAreUNLTD. Startups also scale up by leveraging AGE-WELL support to gain additional grants and investment. For instance, three startups spun out of AGE-WELL research have raised over $19-million in investments. z

INNOVATION IN ACTION: Check out our startup profiles at https://agewell-nce.ca/community-2/startups

What’s AgeTech?

AgeTech refers to a growing sector that is advancing the use of technologies, such as information and communication technologies (ICTs), mobile technologies, robotics, wearables and smart home systems, to enhance the lives of older adults.*

Jessica Yang, CEO and co-founder of Tochtech Technologies, won the third and final competition in the 2020 AGE-WELL National Impact Challenge for Sleepsense, a nonwearable device that allows caregivers to monitor the overnight safety of older adults.

*Sixsmith, A. (2020), “COVID-19 and AgeTech”, Quality in Ageing and Older Adults, https://doi.org/10.1108/QAOA-07-2020-0029

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KNOWLEDGE MOBILIZATION & COMMERCIALIZATION

Engaging decision-makers, influencing policy Just as delivering products is vital, so is sharing knowledge. AGE-WELL works closely with decision-makers to inform policies that include technology.

For example, we provided input to ensure that technologybased solutions are part of Canada’s Dementia Strategy.

Our innovation hub called APPTA develops policy briefs and reports, and has an impact on government at the federal, provincial and territorial levels. APPTA recently conducted a review of policies and barriers that influence

the use of virtual health. COVID-19 has created shifts in health-care delivery, and APPTA’s findings are essential to making health care more accessible.

AGE-WELL also engages directly with health professionals to increase their uptake of emerging technologies. Our recent AgeTech webinar series helped care providers navigate the growing number of technology-based interventions to support healthy aging. z

Funding emerging entrepreneurs to tackle COVID-19 Two talented young entrepreneurs each received $25,000 through the AGE-WELL Emerging Entrepreneur Awards.

Our 2020 program was targeted specifically at entrepreneurs with COVID-19-related products. The award provides emerging entrepreneurs with financial resources, mentorship and training to kick-start or scale their businesses. The recipients are: Azadeh Dastmalchi, PhD candidate, University of Ottawa, and founder and CEO, VitalTracer Dastmalchi’s VitalTracer is a medical smartwatch that can monitor vital signs such as blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, temperature and blood oxygen levels. The watch can provide early detection of suspected COVID-19 symptomatic cases and thus reduce potential disease, according to the company. z

Victor Fernandez demonstrates Virtual Gym

Dr. Victor Fernandez, Postdoctoral fellow, University of Alberta, founder and CEO, Virtual Gym Dr. Fernandez is commercializing Virtual Gym, a serious game platform designed for older adults. Virtual Gym can guide users through personalized exercises for both fitness and rehabilitation. It allows health-care professionals to monitor users’ activity and progress. With social distancing in place due to COVID-19, this product enables older adults—especially those in long-term care—to stay active safely. z

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Azadeh Dastmalchi, founder and CEO of VitalTracer

impact on Amintro has “ AGE-WELL’s been the greatest thing that’s probably ever happened to us. It has absolutely exposed Amintro to a larger audience and built the recognition and the credibility for our organization.

”

Charlene Nadalin, founder and CEO, Amintro Charlene Nadalin and her mother Marge: when her father died, Charlene created an app to fight social isolation. Left: Image of the Amintro app, which helps adults aged 50+ make friends.

AGE-WELL Honorary Fellows AGE-WELL unveiled an awards program in 2019 to recognize members who have made long-term and substantial contributions to research and innovation in the AgeTech sector, as well as a significant contribution to AGE-WELL. Congratulations to the awardees:

Dr. Alan Mackworth, 2019 AGE-WELL Honorary Fellow Award

Ron Beleno, 2020 AGE-WELL Honorary Fellow Award

Dr. Susan Kirkland, 2020 AGE-WELL Honorary Fellow Award

Dr. Alan Mackworth is a professor emeritus at the University of British Columbia and former chair of AGE-WELL’s International Scientific Advisory Committee. Dr. Mackworth is widely known for his accomplishments in the field of artificial intelligence. z

Ron Beleno is a dedicated advocate in the caregiving space. He helped lead the formation of the AGE-WELL Older Adult and Caregiver Advisory Committee (OACAC), and serves as committee co-chair. Beleno brings his wisdom and lived experience as a caregiver to many AGE-WELL research projects. z

Dr. Susan Kirkland, a professor at Dalhousie University, is a member of AGE-WELL’s Board of Directors, where she brings critical insight as a researcher. Her commitment to meaningful inclusion and engagement of older adults in research has helped shape the approach to “co-creation” for which AGE-WELL is revered. z

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KNOWLEDGE MOBILIZATION & COMMERCIALIZATION

AGE-WELL 2019: Conference spotlights current and future innovations to support healthy aging

AGE-WELL’s 5th annual conference, Exploring the Future of Technology and Aging, created a buzz. AGE-WELL 2019 attracted more than 300 researchers, trainees, older adults, caregivers and partners from industry, government and the community who all share a common goal: to support healthy aging through the development of technology-based solutions.

Held in October 2019 in Moncton, the event showcased an extraordinary range of technologies being created by researchers and entrepreneurs supported by AGE-WELL. From smart-home systems to apps that connect people and new ways to monitor cognitive health, dozens of innovations were on display.

Watch a video here.

Scientific talks highlighted how AGE-WELL is pushing the boundaries of research and innovation. Poster presentations described a wide array of real-world solutions designed to meet the needs of an aging population. A forum for networking and collaboration, AGE-WELL 2019 was also an opportunity to thank those who have played a role in the tremendous growth and success of AGE-WELL. Generous sponsors of AGE-WELL 2019 were: Bereskin & Parr LLP, Best Buy Canada, Canada’s National Ballet School, Canadian Frailty Network, Fasken, Ontario Brain Institute, HomeEXCEPT, TELUS Health and YouAreUNLTD. z

Dozens of innovations designed to support healthy aging were on display.

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Former Canadian astronaut Dr. Robert Thirsk gave a captivating speech about health care in deep space. Since real-time assistance by ground-based flight surgeons will be impossible, astronauts will need autonomous and intelligent systems, which could also benefit people on Earth.

AGE-WELL 2019 put the spotlight on a multidisciplinary program of research and innovation from across the AGE-WELL network.

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TRAINING THE NEXT GENERATION

Training the Next Generation value of the EPIC training program cannot be overstated. “ The It provided me with an opportunity to incorporate activities from other disciplines, new approaches and a whole new community. ” Dr. Aki-Juhani Kyröläinen, postdoctoral fellow, McMaster University and Brock University, and recipient of an AGE-WELL-MIRA training award

AGE-WELL’s unique training program is a great success story. Across Canada and beyond, we champion emerging researchers and young professionals known as HQP—or highly qualified personnel.

Our EPIC training program (Early Professionals, Inspired Careers) provides HQP with access to exclusive educational programming, experiential opportunities such as internships and exchanges, funding and mentorship. Every trainee gains crucial experience in working with older adults and caregivers, and understanding their needs.

EPIC is all about nurturing future leaders in the AgeTech sector. In 2019-2020, AGE-WELL recruited and supported more than 760 HQP from across eight Canadian provinces, Australia, Belgium, Denmark, France, Mexico, the United Kingdom and the United States. In the last fiscal, we awarded 38 Innovators of Tomorrow certificates, and hosted our fourth Summer Institute, in Montebello, Quebec. z

Tackling problems, now and post-COVID-19 Our trainees are applying themselves to pressing problems that affect older adults and caregivers. Whether it’s a system to help people recover at home after hospital or an app to predict the degree of loneliness and social isolation, many HQP projects are highly relevant to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In August 2020, 21 early career researchers from 10 universities across Canada received AGE-WELL Graduate Student and Postdoctoral Awards in Technology and Aging. The total value of the awards is $380,000, with more than $105,000 provided through matching funds from five post-secondary and research institute partners.

AGE-WELL’s new Indigenous Graduate Student Award was presented to Kelly Davison, a PhD student at the University of Victoria (UVic) to explore the effects of virtual care on community-dwelling older adults, including the “unprecedented mobilization of virtual care services” during COVID-19. Jessica Percy-Campbell received the Michael F. Harcourt Policy Fellowship, named for AGE-WELL’s founding board chair and patron. Percy-Campbell, a PhD student at UVic, is examining how older adults use Google Home and Amazon Alexa, and the implications for privacy, surveillance and aging in place with technology in Canada. z Among other award recipients: Lindsay Kuramoto, a University of Toronto (U of T) master’s student, is developing a remote vital signs monitoring system that can be used at home after surgery, and benefit older adults in their daily lives. The award is co-funded by the Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering at U of T. z

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Dr. Cari McIlduff, a University of Saskatchewan postdoctoral fellow, is working with urban Indigenous older adults to learn what they want from technology and its ability to respond to health and wellbeing concerns and needs.

Dr. McIlduff’s award is co-funded by the Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation (SHRF). z

Building careers, sharing knowledge AGE-WELL trainees are landing positions in industry, academia, government, health care and community organizations. They are sought after for many reasons, including their transdisciplinary skills and understanding of how policies can support the adoption of technology.

In 2020, we refined our EPIC program in order to reach even more trainees worldwide. The certificate component of the program now consists of four online courses, with additional ones in the works. Across EPIC, equity, diversity and inclusion are core to promote consideration of, and collaboration with, under-represented groups in the co-creation of new knowledge. z

During the AGE-WELL 2019 Summer Institute, a group of trainees (Team Echidna) came up with a proposed technology called Lighthouse. It takes the form of personalized artwork for fostering longdistance social engagement between geographically separated families. The team has since developed several prototypes and was awarded Best Demo at the AGE-WELL conference in October 2019. Shown here, from left to right: Susan Lee, Amna Liaqat, Iulia Niculescu, Jesse Mastrangelo, Dr. Mineko Wada (Missing: Karan Shastri), with Dr. Andrew Sixsmith, AGE-WELL scientific director. z

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TRAINING THE NEXT GENERATION

Trainee Profiles Dr. Peyman Azad Khaneghah

not a game. It’s an app that “ It’s you’re going to use to get health benefits, so we need to be cautious about the decisions we make.

”

Helping people choose the right mobile health app Occupational therapist Peyman Azad Khaneghah started his PhD at the University of Alberta determined to create a mobile app to help patients spot signs of depression and other mental illnesses.

With more than 300,000 health apps already on the market, he soon realized that what people might need more is help sorting through this often confusing array of offerings.

So Dr. Azad Khaneghah created an app rating system, which he’s refining and putting online as part of a project funded by AGE-WELL, with non-monetary support from the Organization for Bipolar Affective Disorders.

It’s all about giving app users, family caregivers and health-care providers the tools to ask the right questions when they’re looking for an app, says Dr. Azad Khaneghah, an AGE-WELL trainee who is now a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Waterloo.

“It’s not a game. It’s an app that you’re going to use to get health benefits,” he explains. “So we need to be cautious about the decisions we make.”

It’s easy to focus on the “superficial” features, such as an app’s appearance, while overlooking potentially serious drawbacks. Many apps have privacy and security flaws, make unsubstantiated health claims or may be produced by untrustworthy developers, he says. Other mobile apps may cost a lot, while offering minimal or untested benefits.

“Most of these apps haven’t been backed with clinical data or research,” he points out.

The new rating system—dubbed the Alberta Rating Index for Apps (or ARIA)—is a two-step process that guides people as to what to look for, both before downloading an app and while using it.

Dr. Azad Khaneghah believes the system, developed under the leadership of Dr. Lili Liu at the University of Waterloo, is more important than ever because of COVID-19 and the toll it can take on mental health.

The goal is to get the web-based rating system online in early 2021, creating a crowd-sourced repository of mobile health apps where users can see summaries of available ratings. z

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TRAINING THE NEXT GENERATION

Trainee Profiles Benett Axtell

technology brings browsing, “ The reminiscing and organizing pictures together in a simple, digital—and social—process.

”

Creating digital connections Benett Axtell believes photographs can play a role in easing the social isolation experienced by some older adults.

That’s why Axtell is developing a novel technology called PhotoFlow. It’s a digital application that combines picture organization and oral reminiscence. As users are prompted to talk about their memories of images displayed on a tablet screen, automatic speech processing captures their words—like “beach” or “bonfire”—and links similar images digitally. This makes it easy for users to locate images using key words—and to show them to others.

“The technology brings browsing, reminiscing and organizing pictures together in a simple, digital—and social—process,” explains Axtell, a doctoral student who works on PhotoFlow with Dr. Cosmin Munteanu, co-director of University of Toronto’s TAGlab (Technologies for Aging Gracefully).

Axtell is excited by the potential of emerging applications like digital storytelling to enhance social connectedness and improve quality of life for seniors.

A native of Vermont with a BA from Smith College in Massachusetts, Axtell is now associate director of TAGlab, a role that involves overseeing technology transfer. The skills and experience gained as an AGE-WELL trainee helped open the door to this position, says Axtell.

PhotoFlow could hit the market in 2021. z

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NETWORKING & PARTNERSHIPS

Networking & Partnerships partnership with AGE-WELL has provided “ Our opportunities to invest with confidence in high-quality,

reputable solutions that align with our strategic priorities and meet the needs of Canadians wishing to age in place.

”

Carol Annett, President and CEO, VHA Home HealthCare

AGE-WELL was established with an inspiring mission: to develop a community of researchers, older adults, caregivers, partner organizations and future leaders to accelerate the delivery of technology-based solutions that support healthy aging. Before AGE-WELL came along, no organization had been tasked with bringing everyone together in this way.

Since 2015, AGE-WELL has grown from 80 partners to more than 400. They include industry, community, academic and government organizations. An ever-growing number of partners are coming on board to leverage AGE-WELL’s leadership and expertise in the AgeTech sector.

Over the past year, we welcomed high-profile partners like Best Buy Canada, CanAge and Startup Canada. We also saw increasing engagement from associations representing senior living providers, where a need for change and the potential of technology has become very evident.

Our partners are involved in significant ways, both with individual research projects and with network-wide initiatives.

Partnerships open doors for the adoption of AGE-WELL innovations—helping us get products to those who need them. We are deeply grateful for the role our partners play in collaborating on research projects, co-funding awards for trainees and co-hosting events. z

Older Adult and Caregiver Advisory Committee (OACAC) leaders

Ron Beleno, Co-Chair

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Phil Davis, Co-Chair

AGE-WELL ANNUAL REPORT 2019-2020

Sherry Baker, Vice-Chair

Caron Leid, Vice-Chair

An advocate for people living with Alzheimer’s, Jim Mann is a member of AGE-WELL’s Research Management Committee. Mann was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s at the age of 58.

Tapping into lived experience enriches everything that AGE-WELL does. Older adults and caregivers are key partners in our network. More than 4,900 seniors and caregivers are involved with AGE-WELL. They engage with individual research projects, conduct “relevancy reviews” of research proposals, share insights with startups, and serve on committees like the Older Adult and Caregiver Advisory Committee and the Research Management Committee. z

is doing a great job “ AGE-WELL at including older adults and

caregivers in the development of their products, programs and services. They’re using the people experiencing these realities as advisors, which is so important.

”

Living under COVID-19 restrictions Citizen science: Members of AGE-WELL’s Older Adult and Caregiver Advisory Committee wanted to highlight how older Canadians and caregivers are experiencing the COVID-19 pandemic. So they authored a report that lays out scenarios and issues that older adults and caregivers are facing, categorized by AGE-WELL’s eight challenge areas. The report, Living under COVID-19 restrictions, led to conference presentations and continues to be widely shared.

It’s an example of the tremendous contributions and involvement of end-users in the AGE-WELL network.

Dr. Olive Bryanton, Atlantic Representative, Prince Edward Island, AGE-WELL Older Adult and Caregiver Advisory Committee

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NETWORKING & PARTNERSHIPS

International Leadership As AGE-WELL’s profile grows, so too do our international partnerships and collaborations. In 2019, AGE-WELL took part in a number of high-profile government missions that led to new partnerships, such as one with the Northern Health Science Alliance (NHSA), a U.K. research and innovation network. We were thrilled to support several AGE-WELL startups to join trade missions that have boosted international exposure for Canadian AgeTech companies.

It’s incredibly gratifying to see AGE-WELL startups selling products internationally. Take Braze Mobility, which makes blind-spot sensor systems for people who use wheelchairs. The company’s innovation is being sold across the U.S. and will soon debut in Germany and New Zealand. Innovations like these are having a real-world impact. Be sure to read our story about a product that caught the eye of a European who needed remote care during a COVID-19 lockdown (page 36).

Blind-spot sensors for wheelchairs: Dr. Pooja Viswanathan is cofounder and CEO of Braze Mobility Inc. The AGE-WELL startup has developed the world’s first patent-pending blind-spot sensors that can be added to any wheelchair to provide the user with feedback about obstacles in their blind spots.

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At AGE-WELL, one thing often leads to another. An AGE-WELL research team recently entered into a major international collaboration with the Haukeland University Hospital in Norway. Another team partnered with the U.K.-based company Consequential Robotics, leading to two successful national grants. And stay tuned for results from a major international collaboration focused on an innovative training program for seniors called StayFitLonger. The project is supported by AGE-WELL and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) in the EU Active and Assisted Living (AAL) programme.

AGE-WELL researchers are being tapped from around the world for their knowledge and expertise. Dr. Alex Mihailidis, AGE-WELL scientific director, represented Canada on a panel about the legacy of COVID-19 and healthy longevity at the 2020 International Longevity Policy and Governance Summit. AGE-WELL members were front and centre at the first in a series of international innovation exchange events organized by the Academic Health Science Networks (AHSN), U.K.-based innovators and stakeholders in the health-care space, in partnership with AGE-WELL. Our events are reaching increasingly large audiences, even as events moved on-screen over the past year. People from more than 35 countries tuned in to our first-ever virtual EPIC conference in June 2020, highlighting to us that population aging will be one of the most significant social transformations of the 21st century worldwide. We also reached global audiences last year through interviews with journalists from as far away as Brazil and Australia. AGE-WELL researchers did a record-setting number of media interviews in 2019. z

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IMPACT PROFILE

App offers rehab globally in the time of COVID-19 and beyond Just as Miro Sobocan was about to begin physical therapy after total knee replacement surgery early in 2020, his rehabilitation facility in Dolenjske Toplice, Slovenia was closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Undeterred, the 72-year-old retiree turned to his “favourite hobby,” the internet, for a solution. He found Curovate, a total knee replacement rehabilitation app he now describes as “life changing and a nine out of 10.”

That’s high praise from someone whose career included computer programming and auditing IT companies that produce software. What impressed him most was the design of the app and how easy it is to follow even for older adults who aren’t tech savvy. “There are visuals and sometimes pictures tell more than a thousand words,” says Sobocan. “It’s very cleverly done.”

Developed and brought to market with support from AGE-WELL, Curovate is a smartphone app that provides older adults who have had knee replacement surgery with a full six-month evidence-based rehabilitation program that can be done in the comfort of one’s own home.

colleague said... ‘You are “ My walking like a young man.’ ” It includes video-guided exercises demonstrated by an older adult and instructions on how to use the smartphone to measure knee range of motion. The app provides daily and weekly achievement reports and reminders, and access to the Curovate team for any questions. It even counts repetitions and sets of exercises so there’s no need for the user to take notes.

Sobocan found almost everything he needed for his rehab right in his apartment. “I made use of chairs, tables, doors and weights that I had,” he says. Since the program called for walking or biking, and at the time he was concerned about doing these activities outdoors due to COVID-19, he decided to purchase a stationary bike.

“It was the only investment besides the app.”

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Miro Sobocan describes the Curovate app as “life changing and a nine out of 10.”

Prior to the surgery on his left knee, Sobocan was struggling with his mobility. “I was moving with pain, I was using painkillers.

I even tried injections,” he says.

Using the Curovate app, he made tremendous progress.

When the rehab facility re-opened in the summer, he went there for 14 days and had no trouble with the physical therapy.

Today, his pain is gone. “Without Curovate, everything I achieved would have been harder and maybe even impossible.

I have been playing golf and walking 12 kilometres—each three to four times a week. My colleague said just two days ago, ‘You are walking like a young man.’”

Now that winter has arrived in Slovenia and the second wave of the pandemic has again shut down public life, Sobocan is returning to his Curovate app to ensure he maintains his mobility and independence.

Curovate was launched in January 2020 with support from an AGE-WELL Strategic Investment Program (SIP) grant to University of Toronto professor Jonathon Rose, who collaborated with Curovate CEO, app developer and physiotherapist Nirtal Shah. The app also includes rehabilitation programs previously created by Shah for total hip replacement and ACL repair (torn knee ligament).

Total knee replacement involves surgery to replace weightbearing surfaces of the knee joint in order to relieve pain and disability of osteoarthritis and other diseases of the knee.

Demand for the surgery and rehabilitation are increasing worldwide as the population ages and the procedure becomes available in more countries. z

MOVING FORWARD

Moving Forward The COVID-19 pandemic presents one of the biggest challenges our world has faced. It has accelerated the need to reframe the way we care for, and include the voices of, older adults. Technology, as we are seeing, is part of the solution. It can support older adults to stay connected, safe and living independently in their own homes. It will be increasingly important in modernizing our care systems for shifting demographics.

Because of COVID-19, the time for implementing technology-based solutions has been moved up drastically. The need for technology has intensified. It is no longer acceptable to “wait and see” on virtual and digital health. But while the pandemic has proven the value of virtual care, availability is fragmented and narrow, and access to broadband is often a challenge in rural and Indigenous communities. Access to AgeTech must be equitable, and barriers to adoption need to be addressed.

As the leading Canadian organization advancing innovations for older Canadians, AGE-WELL will play a key role in driving change that improves the quality of all our lives as we age. Our network of research experts across disciplines and partners spanning all sectors is making extraordinary progress in addressing challenges faced by older Canadians and caregivers.

Together, we can deliver technology solutions for these challenging times and for the future, while building a thriving AgeTech sector that is part of Canada’s economic recovery. z

AGE-WELL ANNUAL REPORT 2019-2020

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Financial Statements STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION AGE-WELL NCE Inc. As at March 31

2020 2019

$ $

ASSETS Current

Cash and cash equivalents Due from University Health Network Unspent research grants held at participating institutions Accounts receivable Prepaid expenses

324,633 5,699,657 1,076,761 84,922 3,537

227,322 7,981,468 1,773,711 173,581 16,258

Total current assets

7,189,510 10,172,340

LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS Current Accounts payable and accrued liabilities Unearned revenue

44,835 9,274

Total current liabilities

54,109 340,098

307,918 32,180

Deferred contributions

6,766,688 9,504,514

Total liabilities

6,820,797 9,844,612

Net assets Unrestricted 368,713 327,728

Total net assets

7,189,510 10,172,340

On behalf of the Board:

Mimi Lowi-Young, Chair, Board of Directors Barbara Stymiest, Chair, Finance and Audit Committee

Please refer to the audited financial statements on the AGE-WELL NCE website: www.agewell-nce.ca

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AGE-WELL ANNUAL REPORT 2019-2020

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND CHANGES IN UNRESTRICTED NET ASSETS AGE-WELL NCE Inc. Year ended March 31

2020 2019

$ $

REVENUE Networks of Centres of Excellence grant 8,310,913 7,419,892 Grant from other partners / organizations 28,163 131,550 Other sources of funds 108,011 135,766

8,447,087 7,687,208

EXPENSES Research and training 6,745,449 5,982,290 Networking meetings and events 500,035 504,657 Communications 160,474 150,249 Professional fees 42,463 54,906 Travel 12,865 20,565 Administration 944,816 846,797

8,406,102 7,559,464

Excess of revenue over expenses for the year 40,985 127,744 Unrestricted net assets, beginning of year 327,728 199,984

Unrestricted net assets, end of year

368,713

327,728

Cash and in-kind contributions from partners held and spent at network member institutions are not included in these statements.

The Network follows the deferral method of accounting for contributions which include government and other grants. Deferred contributions represent unspent resources externally restricted for program expenses in future years. Changes in the deferred contributions balance are as follows:

Balance, beginning of year Amounts received during the year – NCE Amounts received during the year – Non-NCE Amounts recognized as revenue during the year – NCE Amounts recognized as revenue during the year – Non-NCE Balance, end of year

2020 $

2019 $

9,504,514 9,421,438 5,575,000 7,597,018 26,250 37,500 (8,310,913) (7,419,892) (28,163) (131,550) 6,766,688

9,504,514

Please refer to the audited financial statements on the AGE-WELL NCE website: www.agewell-nce.ca

AGE-WELL ANNUAL REPORT 2019-2020

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NETWORK COMMUNITY

Network Community as of December 2020

MEMBER UNIVERSITIES AND RESEARCH CENTRES Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care Bruyère Research Institute Carleton University Centre de recherche de l’Institut universitaire de gériatrie de Montréal (CRIUGM) Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute Collège Mérici Dalhousie University First Nations University of Canada George Brown College Health Sciences North Research Institute Laurentian University London Health Sciences Centre McGill University McMaster University Montreal Heart Institute Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences Ontario Tech University The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre Ryerson University Simon Fraser University St. Thomas University Sunnybrook Research Institute TÉLUQ Trent University Trillium Health Partners Université de Montréal Université de Sherbrooke Université du Québec à Montréal University Health Network Université Laval University of Alberta University of British Columbia University of Calgary University of Guelph University of Manitoba University of New Brunswick University of Northern British Columbia University of Ottawa

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AGE-WELL ANNUAL REPORT 2019-2020

University of Regina University of Saskatchewan University of Toronto University of Victoria University of Waterloo Western University Wilfrid Laurier University

PARTNERS 6Harmonics AbbVie Access Community Therapists Limited Active and Assisted Living Programme (AAL) Active4Care Aditum Health ADL Smartcare AdvantAge Ontario Aerial Technologies Inc. Age Care Technologies Ltd Aging 2.0 Aix-Marseille University Alberta Association on Gerontology Alberta Health Continuing Care Alberta Health Services Alberta Innovates Alberta Seniors and Housing Alberta Therapeutic Recreation Association Algonquin College AllerGen NCE Alzheimer Society of British Columbia Alzheimer Society of Calgary Alzheimer Society of Canada Alzheimer Society of Durham Region Alzheimer Society of Manitoba Alzheimer Society of Ontario Alzheimer Society of Saskatchewan Ambient Activity Technologies Amylior Inc. Annapolis Valley Health Ashbourne Art4Life Inc. Association for Computing Machinery Association pour l’intégration sociale d’Ottawa (AISO)

Atlantic Institute on Aging Aunege Aurrigo Autonomous_ID Barrie and Community Family Health Team Baxter Corporation Baycrest Centre for Learning Research and Innovation Baycrest Health Sciences Bayshore Healthcare BC Care Providers Association BC Ministry of Health BC Hydro BC Seniors Living Association BC Silver Alert BC Support Unit BC Therapeutic Recreation Association Behavioural Supports Ontario Bell Canada Bereskin & Parr LLP Best Buy Canada Bigmotion Technologies Inc. BioCanRx NCE Blackberry Blue Tree Medical Inc. BOA Technology Bosch Engineering GmbH Boston Scientific Canada Bowmont Seniors Assistance Association Breton Ability Centre British Columbia Academic Health Sciences Network Bruyère Research Institute Burnaby Multicultural Society Burnaby North Secondary School Cambridge Brain Sciences Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health (CADTH) Canadian Assistive Devices Association (CADA) Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT) Canadian Association on Gerontology Canadian Centre for Elder Law Canadian Consortium on Neurodegeneration in Aging (CCNA) Canadian Fall Prevention Curriculum Canadian Frailty Network NCE Canadian Homecare Association

Canadian Mental Health Association Middlesex Canadian Mountain Network NCE Canadian Red Cross Canadian Respiratory Research Network Canadian Sleep and Circadian Network Canadian Standards Association (CSA) CanAge CanAssist Cardiac Arrhythmia Network of Canada - CANet CareBand Inc. Caregiver Omnimedia Inc. Caregivers Alberta Carers Canada Cariboo Friendship Society CARP Carya Society of Calgary CBDS Health Inc. CBI Health Group Inc. Cedarhurst Dementia Care Home Centre de réadaptation Lucie-Bruneau Centre de réadaptation Constance- Lethbridge Centre de recherche interdisciplinaire en réadaptation du Montréal métropolitain (CRIR) Centre de recherche de l’institut universitaire de gériatrie de Montréal (CRIUGM) Centre de recherche sur le vieillissement (CdRV) Centre de santé et de services sociaux de la Montagne (CSS-DLM) Centre de santé et de services sociaux de la Montagne (CSSS-DE) de l’Énergie Centre facilitant la recherche et l’innovation dans les organisations (CEFRIO) Centre for Aging + Brain Health Innovation (CABHI) Centre for Assistive Technology and Connected Healthcare, University of Sheffield Centre for Digital Media Centre for Education and Research on Aging & Health, Lakehead University Centre for Hip Health and Mobility

Centre for International Research on Care, Labour and Equalities (CIRCLE) Centre for Research on Educational and Community Services (CRECS) Centre for Social Enterprise Development Centre intégré de santé et de services sociaux de Laval (CISSS-Laval) Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux de la Capitale-Nationale, CIRRIS and IRDPQ (CIUSSS-CN) Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux du Centre Ouest de-l’Île-de-Montréal, CRCL (CIUSSS-CO) Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux du Centre-Sud de-l’Île-de-Montréal (CIUSSS-CS CRLB) Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux du Centre-Sud de-l’Île-de-Montréal (CIUSSS-CS IRGLM) Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux du Centre Sud-de-l’Île-de-Montréal (CIUSSS CS-IURDPM) Centre interdisciplinaire de recherche en réadaptation et intégration sociale (CIRRIS) Centre of Excellence on Partnership with Patients and the Public Centre on Aging, University of Manitoba Centre Universitaire Jean-Francois Champlain Community Care Access Centre Chartwell Retirement Residences Choices in Community Living Christie Gardens Apartments and Care CICan Career Launcher CIHR Institute of Aging (IA) CIHR Institute of Health Services and Policy Research (IHSPR) Circle of Care City of Toronto, Long Term Care Homes & Services Clinisys EMR Inc. Coast Capital Savings Innovation Centre, University of Victoria

Cobourg Police Comdel Innovations Communitech ComSanté, Université de Québec à Montréal Concordia University CONNECT for Mental Health Inc. Consequential Robotics Cortex Design Covenant Health CrossWing Inc. Data Performers Databrary Deliberatus Design Deloitte LLP Delta View Care Centre Dementia Connections Design Enjeu Developmental Disabilities Association (DDA) DJP Designs Durham Regional Police Services Elder Technology Assistance Group (ETAG) Élisabeth Bruyère Hospital Emmetros Limited Employers for Carers UK Employment and Social Development Canada Engage Biomechanics Entrepreneurship Hub, University of Ottawa Eos Analytics Extendicare Fasken File Hills Qu’Appelle Tribal Council First Nations Health Authority Flemingdon Health Fondation Berthiaume-Du Tremblay Fondation Luc Maurice Fonds de recherche du Québec Santé Fraser Health Authority Frog Hollow Neighbourhood House G. F. Strong Rehabilitation Centre gDial Inc. GeronTech LTD Gilbrea Centre for Studies in Aging, McMaster University Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital Global Affairs Canada GlycoNet NCE

AGE-WELL ANNUAL REPORT 2019-2020

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NETWORK COMMUNITY

Network Community as of December 2020

PARTNERS continued Government of Alberta Government of Yukon Department of Health and Social Services GPS Canada Inc. Granville Gardens Greater Fredericton Social Innovation (GFSI) Groupe Convex Guanghua International Education Association Hacking Health HealthTech Connex Heuristext Inc. Hexyoo Scientific Inc. Hôpital juif de réadaptation Hospital Clinic for Alzheimer Disease and Related Disorders, University of British Columbia HotPathz, Inc. Humber River Hospital IBM Canada Ltd IDFusion Software i-Edit i-H.I.V.E Consulting Associates IMAGINE Citizens Indes Inertia Engineering Information and Communications Technology Council (ICTC) Information Technology Association of Canada (ITAC) Innovacorp Innovation Factory Innovation PEI Institut de réadaptation Gingras Lindsay-de-Montréal (IRGLM) Institut sur le vieillissement et la participation sociale des aînés, Université Laval Institute for Life Course and Aging, University of Toronto Institute on Aging & Lifelong Health, University of Victoria Interaxon Interior Health Authority JDQ Systems Inc.

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AGE-WELL ANNUAL REPORT 2019-2020

Johnson & Johnson Kamloops Aboriginal Friendship Society Keebee Kids Brain Health Network NCE Ki-Low-Na Friendship Society Kingston General Hospital Kinova Inc. Kintec Footwear and Orthotics Korah Limited Laboratoire d’innovations par et pour les aînés (LIPPA) Lakeside Long Term Care Centre, UHN Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) Les jardins de la côte Lesya Dyk O.T. Services Inc. Lifestyle Options Retirement Communities Lillooet Friendship Centre Society LocateMotion London and Middlesex Housing Corporation Ludoscience MAC H2OPE Clinic MacKenzie Healthcare Technologies Making the Shift NCE March of Dimes Canada Mavencare McMaster Institute for Research on Aging McMaster Optimal Aging Portal Medic Alert Medtech Canada MEDTEQ Medtronic Memory and Company MEOPAR NCE MERGE-3D Merz Pharma Canada Metis Community Services Society of BC Microsoft Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research Mindful Garden Digital Health Inc. Mindful Scientific

Ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux (MSSS) Ministère de l’Économie et de l’Innovation - Québec Minoru Pace Activity Centre Mircom Mitacs Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood House Morning Star Lodge Mowat Centre Mozilla Inc. MultiMension Inc Myant N’Mninoeyaa Indigenous Health Access Centre Nak’albun School Nak’azdli Elders Nak’azdli Health Centre Nak’azdli Whut’en Nanomedicines Innovation Network National Association for Search and Rescue (NASAR) National Initiative for the Care of the Elderly (NICE) National Institute on Ageing Neighbourlink North York New Brunswick Health Research Foundation New Brunswick Innovation Fund New Vista Society North Hamilton Community Health Centre North Okanagan Friendship Centre Society Northern Health Authority Northwood Northern Health Science Alliance (NHSA) Nova Scotia Centre on Aging, Mount Saint Vincent University Nursing Home Association of Nova Scotia Office municipal d’habitation de la Côte-de-Beaupré Ontario Bioscience Innovation Organization (OBIO) Ontario Brain Institute (OBI) Ontario Centres of Excellence Ontario Dementia Advisory Group (ODAG) Ontario Institute of Regenerative Medicine (OIRM)

Ontario Long Term Care Association (OLTCA) Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care Ontario Peer Development Initiative Ontario Retirement Communities Association Ontario Society of Occupational Therapists Ontario Telemedicine Network (OTN) Open Roboethics Institute Oregon Center for Aging & Technology (ORCATECH) Orthofab Inc. Otsuka Americas Pharmaceutical Ottawa Police Service Palmerston Bay Inc. Parachute Parkinson Quebec Parkinson’s Clinic of Eastern Toronto and Movement Disorders Centre Partners Advancing Transitions in HealthCare Patterson Medical Philips Healthcare PhysioAtlas Port Moody Heritage Society PRAXIS Holistic Health Prism Medical Pronura Diagnostics Corp.

Providence Care Public Health Agency of Canada Quanser Consulting Inc. Quebec Network for Research on Aging Queen’s Family Health Team Rakuten Kobo RBC Regina Qu’Appelle Health Authority Regroupement des aidantes et aidants naturel(le)s de Montréal (RAANM) Regroupement stratégique INTER Réseau provincial de recherche en adaptation-rédaptation (REPAR) Revera Inc. Rick Hansen Institute (RHI) Riverview Health Centre Rogers Communications Inc. Royal Ottawa Rx-V Ryerson Venture Zone (Brampton) SafeTracks Samsung Electronics

Samsung Research America Saskatchewan Health Authority Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation Saskatchewan Ministry of Health SATech Schlegel Villages SE Health Secours.io SeeLogics Inc. Seniors Care Network Seniors Health Knowledge Network Sermax Sharbot Lake Family Health Team Sheridan College Silver Harbour Seniors’ Activity Centre Silvermark Inc. Simon Fraser University, Department of Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology Smart Computing for Innovation (SOCIP) Smart Environments Research Group, Ulster University SMARTONE Solutions Inc. Social Enterprise Institute Société Inclusive Société pour l’apprentissage à vie (SAVIE) Socio-Digital Research (SDR) Inc. Southern Medical Program, University of British Columbia Spectrum Healthcare Statistics Canada STF Technologies Sun Life Financial Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, St John’s Rehab Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Veterans Hospital Tactica Interactive Inc. TAGlab Tapestry Retirement Living Technicalities Plus Inc TelASK Technologies Inc. TELUS Health TELUS Ventures TENA The Ashbourne The Caregiver Network / HUDDOL The Centre for Health Law, Policy and Ethics, University of Ottawa The Chang School, Ryerson University

The Perley and Rideau Veterans’ Health Centre The Schlegel-University of Waterloo Research Institute for Aging (RIA) The UK Sustainable Care Project The Vanier Institute of the Family The Ville Cooperative Think Research Thornebridge Gardens Thrive Group Trillium Health Partners UK Science and Innovation Network, British Consulate General Toronto United Way of the Lower Mainland University of Amsterdam University of Bari University of Dundee University of Massachusetts Lowell University of Minnesota University of North Dakota University of Sheffield University of Swansea University of Toronto, Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering University of Toronto, Translational Research Program University of Utrecht Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute Vancouver Public Library Vector Institute for Artificial Intelligence VentureLab VHA Home HealthCare Victoria Hospice Vidéotron Ltée Vigilent Telesystems Waterloo-Wellington LHIN West End Seniors Network Western Ottawa Community Resource Centre Wing Kei Care Association Women’s Brain Health Initiative Woodstock and Area Community Health Centre Wordpower Communications World Universities Network (WUN) WorkSafeBC X-L-Ent Care Sensory One Yee Hong Centre for Geriatric Care Yet Keen Seniors Day Centre YouAreUNLTD Zhejiang University

AGE-WELL ANNUAL REPORT 2019-2020

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NETWORK COMMUNITY

Network Community as of December 2020

AGE-WELL NATIONAL INNOVATION HUBS Advancing Policies and Practices in Technology and Aging (APPTA), Fredericton, NB Candice Pollack, Executive Director Daniel Dutton, Scientific Director Centre for Technology Adoption for Aging in the North (CTAAN), Prince George, BC Shannon Freeman, Academic Director Richard McAloney, Director Digital Health Circle (DHC), Surrey, BC Sylvain Moreno, Chief Executive Officer and Scientific Director Tom Philpott, Chief Operating Officer Sensors and Analytics for Monitoring Mobility and Memory (SAM3), Ottawa, ON Bruce Wallace, Executive Director

STARTUP AFFILIATES Able Innovations Adrenalease AIHTech Altum View Amintro ArcTag Bisep Braze Mobility Centivizer Community ASAP Curovate Domilia EBT Medical eNable Analytics eTreatMD Famli.net Hexoskin HomeEXCEPT Lighthouse Lisnen Lumentra Marlena Books Mobisafe System MouvMat

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AGE-WELL ANNUAL REPORT 2019-2020

MyMatchWork Nightingale.ai Novalte OPEN Collaboration for Cognitive Accessibility Project Whitecard Digital Qoltom Quantum Robotics Systems sleepDB Social Robots Stabilo Steadiwear TAGlab Startup Tenera TochTech TOM - JLG Health Solutions TrakTab uCarenet Technologies Virtual Gym VitalTracer WalkWell Universe Welbi WeTraq Winterlight Labs

NETWORK INVESTIGATORS DIRECTLY FUNDED BY AGE-WELL Arlene Astell, Kite – UHN Claudine Auger, Université de Montréal Ron Baecker, University of Toronto Clive Baldwin, St. Thomas University Marla Beauchamp, McMaster University Beno Benhabib, University of Toronto Colin Bennett, University of Victoria Krista Best, Université Laval Nathalie Bier, Centre de recherche de l’Institut universitaire de gériatrie de Montréal Ryan Billinger, George Brown College Jennifer Boger, University of Waterloo Mélanie Bourassa Forcier, Université de Sherbrooke Jennifer Campos, Kite – UHN Mark Chignell, University of Toronto Virgine Cobigo, Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario Theodore Cosco, Simon Fraser University Karen Courtney, University of Victoria Hilmi Dajani, University of Ottawa Charles-Étienne Daniel, Université de Sherbrooke Albert Danison, George Brown College Daniel Dutton, University of New Brunswick Qiyin Fang, McMaster University Janet Fast, University of Alberta Joseph Ferenbok, University of Toronto Geoff Fernie, Kite – UHN Alex Ferworn, Ryerson University Shannon Freeman, University of Northern British Columbia Sylvain Giroux, Université de Sherbrooke Cynthia Goh, University of Toronto Rafik Goubran, Carleton University Geoffrey Gregson, University of Alberta Thomas Hadjistavropoulos, University of Regina Jesse Hoey, University of Waterloo Thomas Hoshizaki, University of Ottawa Andrea Iaboni, Kite – UHN Charlotte Jones, University of British Columbia Jeffrey Jutai, University of Ottawa Dahlia Kairy, Université de Montréal Shehroz Khan, Kite – UHN Nazir Kherani, University of Toronto Susan Kirkland, Dalhousie University

Frank Knoefel, Bruyère Research Institute Pia Kontos, Kite – UHN Victor Kuperman, McMaster University Isabelle Lacroix, Université de Sherbrooke Andrew Laing, University of Waterloo John Lavis, McMaster University Ofer Levi, University of Toronto Lili Liu, University of Waterloo Richard McAloney, University of Northern British Columbia Joanna McGrenere, University of British Columbia James McIntyre, George Brown College Josephine McMurray, Wilfrid Laurier University François Michaud, Université de Sherbrooke Antonio Miguel-Cruz, University of Alberta Alex Mihailidis, Kite – UHN Karyn Moffatt, McGill University Sylvain Moreno, Simon Fraser University Cosmin Munteanu, University of Toronto Hani Naguib, University of Toronto Goldie Nejat, University of Toronto Megan O’Connell, University of Saskatchewan Tejal Patel, University of Waterloo Ito Peng, University of Toronto Andrea Piccinin, University of Victoria Milos Popovic, Kite – UHN William Randall, St. Thomas University Robert Reid, Trillium Health Partners Steven Reynolds, Simon Fraser University Adriana Rios-Rincon, University of Alberta Julie Robillard, University of British Columbia Stephen Robinovitch, Simon Fraser University Atena Roshan Fekr, Kite – UHN François Routhier, Université Laval Kathryn Sibley, University of Manitoba Andrew Sixsmith, Simon Fraser University Eleni Stroulia, University of Alberta Babak Taati, Kite – UHN Neil Thomas, Bruyère Research Institute Alvaro Joffre Uribe Quevedo, University of Ontario Institute of Technology Cari Whyne, University of Toronto Michael Wilson, McMaster University W. M. Wonham, University of Toronto Euson Yeung, University of Toronto

AGE-WELL ANNUAL REPORT 2019-2020

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NETWORK COMMUNITY

Network Community as of December 2020

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Mimi Lowi-Young, (Chair) Health Care Executive and Health Systems Advisor Barbara Stymiest, (Vice-Chair) Corporate Director Eric Bosco, Chief Business Development and Partnerships Officer, Mitacs Jim Brookes, Retired Telecom Executive Diane Finegood, Professor, Simon Fraser University Susan Kirkland, Professor, Dalhousie University Anne Martin-Matthews, Associate Vice-President, Health, University of British Columbia Alex Mihailidis, Scientific Director, AGE-WELL Rebecca Repa, Executive Vice President, Clinical Support & Performance, Corporate Director, UHN Andrew Sixsmith, Scientific Director, AGE-WELL Robyn Tamblyn, Professor, McGill University Stewart Fast, (Observer) Senior Program Manager, NCE Secretariat Bridgette Murphy, (Observer) Managing Director, AGE-WELL

INTERNATIONAL SCIENTIFIC ADVISORY COMMITTEE Robyn Tamblyn, (Chair) Professor, McGill University Anthea Tinker, (Vice-Chair) Professor, King’s College London, UK James Barlow, Professor, Imperial College Business School, UK Yeh-Liang Hsu, Professor, Yuan Ze University, Taiwan Lawrence Normie, Principal Consultant, Lawrence Normie Consulting, Israel Jon Sanford, Professor, Georgia Tech, United States G. Burn Evans, (Observer) AGE-WELL Older Adult and Caregiver Advisory Committee Stewart Fast, (Observer) Senior Program Manager, NCE Secretariat Alex Mihailidis, (Observer) Scientific Director, AGE-WELL Bridgette Murphy, (Observer) Managing Director, AGE-WELL Andrew Sixsmith, (Observer) Scientific Director, AGE-WELL

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AGE-WELL ANNUAL REPORT 2019-2020

RESEARCH MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE Alex Mihailidis, (Chair) Scientific Director, AGE-WELL Louise Demers, Professor, Centre de recherche de l’Institut universitaire de gériatrie de Montréal Shabnam Haghzare, Graduate Student - Doctoral, University of Toronto / Kite – UHN Susan Jaglal, Professor, University of Toronto Jeff Jutai, Professor, University of Ottawa Karen Kobayashi, Professor, University of Victoria Jim Mann, Community Member and Alzheimer’s Advocate Rich McAloney, Director, CTAAN, University of Northern British Columbia Sandra McKay, Director of Research, VHA Home Healthcare Cosmin Munteanu, Assistant Professor, University of Toronto Andrew Sixsmith, Scientific Director, AGE-WELL David Wright, Partner & Publisher, YouAreUNLTD Stewart Fast, (Observer) Senior Program Manager, NCE Secretariat Bridgette Murphy, (Observer) Managing Director, AGE-WELL Jeanie Zabukovec, (Observer) Research Program Manager, AGE-WELL

OLDER ADULT AND CAREGIVER ADVISORY COMMITTEE Ron Beleno, (Co-Chair) Ontario Region Representative, Ontario Phil Davis, (Co-Chair) Ontario Region Representative, Ontario Sherry Baker, (Vice-Chair), British Columbia Caron Leid, (Vice-Chair), Ontario Doug Gayton, Pacific Region Representative, British Columbia Marjorie Moulton, Pacific Region Representative, British Columbia G. Burn Evans, West-Central Region Representative, Alberta Lisa Poole, West-Central Region Representative, Alberta Chaitali Desai, Ontario Region Representative, Ontario Olive Bryanton, Atlantic Region Representative, Prince Edward Island Roger Marple, Member-at-Large, Alberta Bridgette Murphy, (Observer) Managing Director, AGE-WELL Dorina Simeonov, (Observer) Policy and Knowledge Mobilization Manager, AGE-WELL Andrew Sixsmith, (Observer) Scientific Director, AGE-WELL

AGE-WELL ANNUAL REPORT 2019-2020

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NETWORK COMMUNITY

Network Community as of December 2020

HQP ADVISORY COMMITTEE Shabnam Haghzare, (President) Graduate Student - Doctoral, University of Toronto / Kite – UHN Noelannah Neubauer, (Vice President) Graduate Student - Doctoral, University of Alberta Jesse Mastrangelo, (Vice President) Graduate Student - Master’s, Queen’s University Louise Castillo, Graduate Student - Master’s, University of Regina Erica Dove, Graduate Student - Master’s, University of Toronto / Kite – UHN Karam Elabd, Graduate Student - Master’s, Simon Fraser University Joyla Furlano, Graduate Student - Doctoral, University of Western Ontario Jon Lai, Graduate Student - Master’s, University of Alberta Emma Nielsen, Graduate Student - Master’s, University of British Columbia Alice Pellichero, Graduate Student - Doctoral, Université Laval Arezoo Talebzadeh, Graduate Student - Master’s, OCAD University Gordon Tao, Graduate Student - Doctoral, University of British Columbia

CHALLENGE AREA ADVISORY COMMITTEE Jeffrey Jutai, (Chair) University of Ottawa Janet Fast, University of Alberta Rafik Goubran, Carleton University Don Juzwishin, University of Victoria Frank Knoefel, Bruyère Research Institute Lili Liu, University of Waterloo Bill Miller, University of British Columbia Michael Chrostowski, (Observer) Business Development and Industry Relations Manager, AGE-WELL Alex Mihailidis, (Observer) Scientific Director, AGE-WELL Bridgette Murphy, (Observer) Managing Director, AGE-WELL Samantha Sandassie, (Observer) Education and Training Program Manager, AGE-WELL Dorina Simeonov, (Observer) Policy and Knowledge Mobilization Manager, AGE-WELL Andrew Sixsmith, (Observer) Scientific Director, AGE-WELL

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AGE-WELL ANNUAL REPORT 2019-2020

AGE-WELL ADMINISTRATION Alex Mihailidis, Scientific Director and Chief Executive Officer Bridgette Murphy, Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer Andrew Sixsmith, Scientific Director

NETWORK MANAGEMENT TEAM Michael Chrostowski, Business Development and Industry Relations Manager Taja Duncan, Administration and Operations Coordinator Karolina Jalowska, Digital Media Coordinator Margaret Polanyi, Senior Communications Manager Samantha Sandassie, Education and Training Program Manager Alison Schneider, Education and Training Coordinator Shalini Sethi, Finance Officer Dorina Simeonov, Policy and Knowledge Mobilization Manager Jeanie Zabukovec, Research Program Manager

ANNUAL REPORT PRODUCTION Editor: Margaret Polanyi Designer: Tim Gottschick, www.bay6creative.com Photography: Gagan Banga, Jeff Vinnick Images, John Hryniuk Photography, U of T News, University of Saskatchewan, Dave Stobbe, Warren Toda, YouAreUNLTD

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AGE-WELL NCE Inc. Toronto Rehab – UHN 550 University Avenue, 13th Floor Toronto, Ontario M5G 2A2 CANADA T / 416 597 3422, ext. 7778 E / info@agewell-nce.ca www.agewell-nce.ca